Harrison Hot Springs, BC is *almost* turning into Whoville this Christmas season

If you’ve heard the rumor that Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia is turning into Whoville for the Christmas season, that’s not quite true. Call me the Grinch, but, according to the Tourism Harrison Facebook page, the new and exciting Christmas events and decor the village is planning are more themed around their long-standing history with Sasquatch, not a replication of Dr. Seuss’ Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Let's Go Places: Sail across the Sound to Vashon Island

Island life sure is something magical. The pace is slow, the people are relaxed, the views are breathtaking—you can’t ask for much more. And luckily for us Seattleites, we have a little piece of paradise right in our backyard. That’s right: Vashon Island, known as the “Heart of the Sound,” is filled with gorgeous beaches, delightful restaurants, incredible hiking trails, quaint shops, and gram-worthy nature (if a bike is in the tree, it still counts as natureright? ).

We traveled all the way to Italy to see the building of Holland America's newest ship

Holland America's new ship is called the Nieuw Statendam, and I had the opportunity to hop onboard at Fincantiere - a shipyard outside Venice, Italy that has built many new-builds for the company. (Image: Seth Wayne / Seattle Refined) The process is truly remarkable: huge sheets of steel are precisely cut, to the T, and then put on huge machines where the pieces are then welded together. Fun fact?

Photos: Unbelievably vivid colors on the Maple Loop Trail, a true PNW gem

A Hood Canal dinner with a farmer, fisher and forager

I have heard so many amazing things about Alderbrook Resort & Spa from colleagues and friends, so I was incredibly keen when I was invited out to the property to try their new Locavore package – a VERY cool service that is offered year-round. With a sense of adventure and an empty stomach, I grabbed my most favorite plus on, my mumsie, and headed out the the Hood Canal (which is technically a fjord, but that’s a whole other story). I’m not gonna lie ya’ll.

How to spend a week in Costa Rica for $700

Traveling can be so expensive, especially when you are on a young professional's budget, like me. Costa Rica has been at the top of my dream travel list for a long time now, what with its gorgeous beaches, hiking, sloths etc. So, last month my friend and I decided to take our dream trip, but stay within a strict budget. We went Costa Rica for six days for about $700, and you definitely can, too! Here’s how we did it:We monitored flight prices using the app Hopper.

Seth's Travel Deals: $467 roundtrip to Hawaii! Four nights in Vegas for $200!

With the weather turning wet — and it’s just the beginning of our rainy season — you might think of heading out of town to grab some Vitamin D. But you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg — no worries. I’ve got you covered. How does a trip to Hawaii sound? Hawaiian Airlines JUST posted a sale - but you have to act fast. It’ll run you $467 round trip from Seattle to Honolulu and $587 to Maui.

Live like a movie star in these glamorous Palm Springs celebrity home rentals

Palm Springs has long been the glamorous getaway of Hollywood A-Listers. Set in the Coachella Valley amongst the San Jacinto mountains, and boasting 350 days of sun a year, it’s the perfect locale for a relaxing and luxurious poolside retreat. And who knows luxury better than the stars of yesteryear?

Let’s Go Places: Keep calm and drive to Leavenworth

The city of Leavenworth is well-known for its lively Oktoberfest and magical Christmas Lighting Festival. But right in the heart of downtown is an adult-only hotel designed for unsurpassable relaxation. The Posthotel boasts 55 charming rooms (all of which have fireplaces and a breathtaking view), various saunas and steam rooms, plunge pools, a swim-out saltwater pool, and yes, even nap rooms.

There’s something for everyone at these 5 Palm Springs events

Palm Springs is the place to be any time of the year. Whether you’re enthralled by the mid-century modern desert architecture and design, looking to party it up at music and pride festivals, or interested in upping your cultural side by pursuing renowned art and film, Palm Springs has you covered. Check out these five Palm Springs events that you don’t want to miss.

Hey, adventure seekers! We rounded up the best things to do in Olympic Peninsula.

There’s no doubt that the Pacific Northwest is the perfect destination for thrill lovers. We’ve got mountains to hike, streams to fish, and insanely cool storms to watch. And what better place to do all of these things than the Olympic Peninsula? Here, a few of the top Olympic Peninsula excursions that are worth the trek this fall:1. Steelhead fishing. The beginning of colder weather doesn’t have to mean the end of freshwater fishing.

Let’s Go Places: This vineyard has an underground wine cave (and we’re in heaven!)

What’s the secret to Karma Vineyard’s wine and champagne? The seeds and the setting, of course. Owners Julie and Brett Pittsinger bought the Lake Chelan property about 15 years ago, and drawing on Julie’s love for traditional, French-style champagne, established Karma as the first (and only) Methode Champenoise house in the area. Because they make sparkling wine, Karma is usually the first winery in the state to begin harvest (seeds for the sparkly are low-sugar and high acidity).

Let’s Go Places: Tailgate with the RUFFest dawgs in town

Football can’t begin without a proper kick-off. And on game day at Husky Stadium, a tailgate full of burgers, beverages, and cornhole is the only way to avoid dropping the ball. Sure, there are plenty of places to eat near the University of Washington’s campus. But there’s nothing better than spending a day outside with friends, family, and that one alum who won’t admit that college is over (c’mon, we can all name THAT guy).

Let’s Go Places: Spread your wings on a skydiving adventure

The Pacific Northwest is chock-full of activities for action-seekers, including free-falling from tens of thousands of feet in the air. That’s right—the folks at Skydive Snohomish plummet out of planes for sport. And with the extraordinary views in and around Seattle, we can’t say we blame them. The Travel Channel listed Snohomish as one of the nine best places to go skydiving in the world (along with Dubai, New Zealand, Switzerland, Australia, Nepal, and Thailand! ).

The perks of an adult-only getaway (and the best place to go!)

Do you remember a time before children? When you and your partner could travel freely, with no small humans to worry about? A time when you could enjoy glasses of decadent wine, devour delicious (and quiet! ) dinners, and take part inyou know(wink wink)? Parents often forget that alone time is crucial to a healthy family. In today’s world of building a career, planning Pinterest-worthy birthday parties, and hustling kids from sports practice to music lessons, it’s easy to burn-out.

These are our favorite spots for Fall foliage

School is back in session, and the temperature has started to drop, but that doesn’t mean road trip season is over. Fall is a great time of year to get outside and explore the Pacific Northwest. And despite our reputation as the Evergreen State, Washington boasts some great places to view colorful fall foliage. For show-stopping displays of vibrant crimson, orange, and golden leaves, we’ve rounded up five must-see destinations within three hours of Seattle.

Photos: A lovely day spent cruising around Haines, AK

Photos: Cruising through Wrangell & Sitka on a dream Alaskan adventure

The Great Outdoors, Okanagan Style

As part of our deep dive into the Napa of the North, BC’s Okanagan Valley, we’re checking out all the things to do in Osoyoos. Today, four fun things for the outdoorsy.Summer vacation calls for taking in the nice weather while we have it, and Osoyoos has i

Photos: Cruising through Ketchikan & the Misty Fjords

Seattle via Los Angeles: 35 Hours Aboard the Coast Starlight

Resort Review: Spirit Ridge by Hyatt's Unbound Collection

As part of our deep dive into the Napa of the North, BC’s Okanagan Valley, we’re checking out all the things to do in Osoyoos. Today, our favorite things about Spirit Ridge, a local resort that recently got an upgrade from Hyatt.If you’re going to the Okan

The best tide pools to explore near Seattle

There are few things more fun than heading out to find the best tide pools and discovering all PNW sea life in their natural habitat. Washington has more than 50 state parks with saltwater beaches, all ideal spots for tide pool exploration. Seattle area be

Let’s Go Places: Hot Air Ballooning

Going wherever the wind takes you isn’t just a figure of speech in hot air ballooning it's reality (well, kind of).

Celebrating and Honoring the Culture of the Okanagan in Osoyoos, BC

As part of our deep dive into the Napa of the North, BC’s Okanagan Valley, we’re checking out all the things to do in Osoyoos. Today, how local resorts and restaurants do it right when it comes to honoring the history of the area.Osoyoos, located just nort

Enjoy ultimate Summer fun with a float down the Wenatchee River

Tubing the river is a quintessential summer activity. The lazy float on rapid-free water makes for a relaxing day for all ages. Each summer, the almost two-mile stretch of the Wenatchee River on the east slope of the Washington Cascades, near Leavenworth c

New luxury hotel in Tukwila is complete with....a robot?!

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but – when you think of Tukwila you don’t necessarily think of luxury living, right? Me neither.So considered me tickled when I was invited out for the grand opening and an overnight stay at Tukwila’s newest hotel, Hotel Int

Seth's Travel Deals of the Week: $400 roundtrip to Iceland! $233 hotel + flight to Vegas!

Maybe you've run out of vacation time for the year and you're looking at somewhere to go in 2019. Well, gear up for some European travel - because Iceland Air is offering incredibly cheap deals!This is for travel between January and March - during which ti

5 ways to get off the grid at Mount St. Helens

Vacationing without your phone may seem out of the question (you need to let your IG followers know about all of the pic-worthy adventures you’re taking, right?). Plus, you’ll probably need the Maps app to get around in a foreign city and access to Google

Seattle's Closest Wine Getaway? Surprise: It's the Okanagan Valley

We're taking a deep dive into the Napa of the North, BC’s Okanagan Valley - and checking out all the things to do in Osoyoos. Today, the who, what, where, when, and why of wine in B.C.Trivia time – where’s the closest place to Seattle to go to a Napa-leve

Knock your socks off with these adrenaline-pumping experiences in Seattle Southside

Attention all thrill-seekers and risk-takers: Seattle Southside attractions are calling your name. In the cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, and Des Moines, you can show your bravery as a go-kart champion, experience the latest and greatest in VR technology, or la

These top kayaking trips are less than a tank of gas from Seattle

Paddling out on the water is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery and the sunshine of the great Pacific Northwest. And you’ll need the right rig to take all your gear to the top kayaking spots in the region. That’s where the Honda Ridgeline or Honda P

10 Things You Had No Idea You Could Do in Leavenworth

Leavenworth is most famous for its magical Christmas Lighting Festival and lively Oktoberfest, but believe it or not, there’s much more to it than twinkling lights and German beer. The city also has fun festivals and events every month, plus an abundance o

You've seen it on social media ad nauseam. But is the Museum of Ice Cream worth the visit?

We've all scrolled through the images of people swinging in the banana room, diving into the sprinkle pool, and playing in the gummy garden.But when it comes to visiting the Museum of Ice Cream (with locations in New York City and San Francisco), is it wor

Top 5 outdoor experiences to have in Seattle Southside

There’s nothing like summer in the Pacific Northwest. The sparkle of the water, the long sunny days, the beaches to explore and trails to meander downyou should be making the most of the few short months while the sun is consistently out! But, where to go?

9 Reasons You'll Love Visiting the State Capitol in Olympia

For over 20 years I was an Olympia resident and now that I’m not, I sure do miss passing by our State Capitol frequently. Not only is it a breathtaking structure but the grounds offer an array of activities to enjoy and sights to explore. If you haven’t vi

Tail-wagging road trip tips

It’s no secret that Seattleites are a bit obsessed with our dogs. We bring them to our offices, local parks, breweries, restaurants, and on buses, so of course, we want to bring them on vacation too. From AAA’s PetSpot, here are some things to consider whe

The best time to visit Oregon's only National Park is RIGHT NOW

Just seven hours from Seattle, Crater Lake National Park is breathtaking with its crystalline blue water and unrivaled beauty. Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake National Park takes a bit of effort to reach but one sight of the lake makes the drive w

10 hidden gems of the Kitsap Peninsula, from a local

The Kitsap Peninsula is home to more than 250 miles of accessible shoreline to explore, and it has been my home for over 32 years. No matter which direction you wander, you will find a beach, a fun small town or park to explore. There are endless outdoor a

Gig Harbor's authentic Italian gondola is the best way to tour the city

With its lush green forested land and peaceful bay surrounded by 21st century waterfront homes, the charming maritime community of Gig Harbor certainly doesn’t resemble Venice, Italy.However, if you spend some time by the water, you might hear the faint so

A Young, Broke Student’s Guide to a Month in Europe

By no means am I a travel expert, but I am a college student able to see the world on an incredibly tight budget, and that’s got to count for something, right? I just got back from the European vacation of a lifetime with my best friend. In just under a mo

Photos: 19 farms filled with lovely lavender for Sequim's annual festival

Let’s Go Places: Chop chop! It’s time for the 45th Annual Buckley Log Show

It’s no secret that Washington thrives on the timber industry (they don’t call us The Evergreen State for nothing). So, it only makes sense that, in our neck of the woods, logging is as much a hobby as it is a career. Enter the 45th Annual Buckley Log Show

Enjoy a European vacation...right here in Washington wine country

Imagine pulling up to a sprawling European mansion overlooking a peaceful valley and flowing river, surrounded by lush orchards, vineyards and rolling hills.Imagine walking inside and having a luxurious themed suite ready and waiting for you, with ameniti

Photos: Jaw-dropping views of the PNW, taken from a hot air balloon

Visiting Cannon Beach: No car? No problem

I'm approaching my 20th year as a Seattle transplant, and something crossed my mind the other day. What if this was my last summer in the Pacific Northwest?Not in a morbid way - just in a 'what-am-I-waiting-for' way. The go-to excuse for my lack of regiona

Top 4 swimming spots to cool off around Seattle

It’s summer. It’s the weekend. And all the beaches in Seattle are too dang crowded! Fear not: with Honda’s fuel-efficient vehicles, these water wonderlands are less than a tank away from the city crowds.Next time you feel the urge to go for a dip, pack up

3 road trips you MUST take this summer

The sun is shining, the blue waters of Puget Sound are sparkling, and the open road is callingsummer is finally here. And what better way to celebrate than with a road trip?From a quick half-day excursion to an overnight trip by the coast, here are three r

We discovered a foodie paradise in Seattle Southside

Seattle foodies, listen up: there’s a new kid on the regional culinary scene, and it’s located in your own backyard. The Seattle Southside cities of Tukwila, Des-Moines, and SeaTac offer some of the area’s best gastronomic experiences.

Treat yourself to a getaway with a view this summer

Some people think a vacation needs to be somewhere far away. But what if you could have a relaxing getaway in a stunning location, and you could get there on less than a tank of gas?Well, isn’t that why we live in the great Pacific Northwest? The accessibi

A Tacoma Staycation That Might Just Tempt You to Live There

There are so many reasons for Seattleites to start loving on Tacoma, and a staycation there might be just what you need if you’re tempted to start moving in that direction. As a waterfront city that doesn’t feel as big city as Seattle - it still has bespok

Photos: The world's longest race track at sea is on a cruise ship

Photos: Elegant regional cuisine at Vancouver's Hawksworth

Hawksworth is a contemporary Canadian restaurant in the heart of downtown Vancouver with dishes that reflect seasonality and its dedication to perfection.

Photos: This wildlife tour in Tofino, B.C. showed us *all* the PNW animals!

The Adventure Centre at Tofino Resort + Marina offers a number of scenic tours around the Clayoquot Sound where seals, sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, and gray whales (to name a few) can be spotted.

5 Destinations to Visit in Washington This Summer

While many people head out of state to vacation in the summer, there’s no reason to when you live in Washington. From the solitude of the San Juan Islands to the hotter climate of central Washington, there’s somewhere to go no matter what type of vacation

Tofino's Wolf in the Fog serves up "Local Legends" artisanal cocktails

Get your game on in Seattle Southside

Calling all sports fans! Did you know there are sporting events for the whole family just minutes from downtown Seattle? Whether you’re looking to dive into the action or cheer from the stands, in Seattle Southside (the cities of Tukwila, Des Moines, and S

Let’s Go Places: The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

One of the most significant sporting events in Puget Sound history is preparing to take over Seattle’s backyard.The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games is the biggest event to hit the city in more than two decades. Over the next few days, the torch will be mak

A Beginner’s Guide to Road Tripping

Road Trips. Whether they are a fond childhood memory or a new found adventure, a great road trip takes some careful planning and an attitude for fun. The perfect road trip can be a memory for years to come but failing to plan ahead can have dire consequenc

Fantastic eats in a fantastic setting: The Hatch Waterfront Pub in Tofino

The Hatch Waterfront Pub at the Tofino Resort + Marina offers great quality eats in a fantastic setting.

Photos: Inside the signature suite of one of Vancouver's nicest hotels

The Whale Watching Company that guarantees you'll see whales

As lifelong Pacific Northwesterners, my husband and I pride ourselves on sharing the beauty of this region when family and friends come to visit. This spring, when our Chicago family decided to journey west we didn’t hesitate to book a whale watching tour

Explore Washington’s great outdoors with Honda’s fuel-efficient vehicles

Seattle is a fantastic place to live. But sometimes you need to escape the city limits and experience the open air.This summer, we’ll be taking you to various destinations in Washingtonso you can savor all that the Evergreen State has to offer. The best pa

Welcome to the Ghost Town of Franklin, WA

A hiking area overlooking the Green River Gorge, Franklin is an abandoned coal mine town just on the outskirts of Black Diamond, approximately 40 miles southeast of Seattle. A serendipitous Google search led this curious writer to the site of the erstwhile

Photos: Crispy light lagers, salty kelp stouts at Tofino Brewing Co.

Tofino Brewing Co. is the one stop shop for a good time with your friends if you are visiting the area on vacation.

5 stunning Washington parks - with beaches!

Goodness know that Washington state has some beautiful parks - but what we really want to know, especially in summer, is...which of those parks have the best beaches?! Hard to come by in the PNW, but once you find a good one - hold on tight!Spencer Spit St

Photos: Carving waves in Canada's surf capital

Let’s Go Places: Get wild in the wetlands

Coyotes, otters, and owlsoh my!Just an hour from downtown Seattle sits the Nisqually River Deltahome to bountiful and diverse wildlife, fish, and birds. It’s where the freshwater of the Nisqually River combines with the saltwater of the Puget Sound, formi

What’s in Seattle’s backyard? What we've discovered may surprise you!

Eat, play, and explore in Seattle Southside--a happenin’ hub wedged between the urban attractions of downtown and the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest.

The road trip tricks that travel pros swear by

Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s road-trip season in the Pacific Northwest.Travel is expected to increase again this summer, so it’s important to start planning your warm weather adventures now. The experts at AAA Washington passed along

Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Take dad on a road trip!

Your old man is hard to shop for. And trust us when we say he doesn’t need another tie.Show your appreciation for pops this year by packing up the car for a weekend getaway or a day trip to one of these stellar Washington locations. And if your car happens

Travel Guide: 48 hours on the Cranberry Coast

Just over 2.5 hours south of Seattle you’ll find the neighboring towns of Grayland and Westport, quietly nestled along Washington’s Cranberry Coast. Tourists often head to Ocean Shores just to the north or Oregon to the south during the summer months, miss

Photos: Vancouver's specialty restaurant offers the rare Aburi Sushi concept

Tofino Spotlight: 1909 Kitchen offers fresh, locally foraged and caught cuisine

Chef Paul Moran is at the helm of Tofino Resort + Marina's signature restaurant, 1909 Kitchen.

Photos: Nisqually Wildlife Refuge is a nature lover's paradise

Island Time! Are You a Whidbey or a Camano?

Buckle up Seattleites, summer road trip season is upon us! The islands of Whidbey and Camano look like they could be spooning on a map, but in fact - they’re hardly joined at the hip. With different population sizes (Whidbey is home to roughly 64.000 peopl

Inside the West Coast's largest homeported cruise ship (complete with go kart cart track)

Back in February I took Refined cameras behind the scenes to Germany's Meyer-Werft shipyard - and it was anything but blissful. Crews worked around the clock making sure she was in tip-top shape before heading to the Northwest.The Norweigan Bliss started h

Photos: Want to catch a buzz in Vancouver? Grab a pint at Strathcona Beer Company

Strathcona Beer Company is located in Vancouver's oldest and most diverse commercial and residential neighborhood.

Adventure Seekers: Tofino Resort + Marina is the perfect fit for you

Photos: This hotel in Vancouver offers in-room IV Vitamin Treatments

Just when you thought you'd seen it all!

The best kept secret in Montana? Whitefish

Pack your bags fellow Seattlites because I just planned your next vacay. And no pressure, but in this gal's honest opinion - you should probably book a flight to Whitefish, Montana ASAP.We're all used to the vacation go-tos: Los Angeles, Hawaii, New York

Photos: Would you cross a suspension bridge hung 230 feet in the air?

Photos: You can explore Vancouver on miniature ferry boats - annnnnd life is complete

DAW THEY ARE SOOOOO CUTE!

Photos: Crashing a Long Table Dinner in Tofino, BC was the best decision we've ever made

A hundred guests gathered around for the third annual Feast Tofino Long Table Dinner to experience the six courses prepared by local chefs, and hosted by Food Network's celebrity chef Lynn Crawford.

Let’s Go Places: Skim the legendary pond at Stevens Pass

It's the final weekend at Stevens Pass, and that means the annual Pond Skim! Folks dressed in crazy outfits bombed down the ski hill and hit a 75-foot pond. Some stayed dry, and others got soaked!

Day 4: The Three Amigos hit the Rides at Disneyland

Disneyland Resort - there are tons of attractions at every turn, not to mention RIDES.For the Refined team, that got our wheels spinning - and nothing could slow us down.I mean nothing.First stop Disney California Adventure Park.With Groot standing guard

Let's Go Places: Celebrate spring with the Tulip Festival

In Holland during the 1600s, something called Tulip Mania crashed the Dutch economy. Tulips and tulip bulbs were actively bought and sold for insanely high prices-they were said to cost 10 times more than a working man's salary, making them more valuable t

Day 3 at Pixar Fest: Together Forever

When the sun goes down, Disney California Adventure Park transforms.It becomes a dazzling technicolor dream world, illuminated by more than a million lights.This is Paint the Night - a parade unlike any you've ever seen before.Here, Disney and Pixar's fri

Pixar Play Parade at Disneyland Resort is Fun for the Whole Family!

It's one of the most iconic spots at Disneyland. Main Street. The gateway to everything the park has to offer, and the perfect setting for one of the most popular events at Pixar Fest, the Pixar Play Parade.Guests may remember it used to be over at Disney

Visit Seattle yacht sails the globe in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

What has eight legs, six ocean crossings, and takes more than 700 people to perform?No, it's not a giant tarantula, nor is it the start of a bad joke. It's the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race-known as one of the biggest challenges of the natural world a

Do you LOVE or HATE the planning part of traveling? This goes out to the haters...

Heading out on vacation is full of excitement for the adventure ahead. But before you can go, there is the planning. Where do you want to go? Where do you want to stay? What will you do while on holiday? Some people love the planning portion of a trip and

People are raving about these Olympic Peninsula attractions-find out why

Mountains, rainforests, and beachesoh my!Just across Puget Sound lies an array of natural wonders, all conveniently located in the beautiful, yet compact, Olympic Peninsula. You may only know this region of the Northwest for Olympic National Park,

Let's Go Places: Oyster Harvesting

We all know the saying, The world is your oyster. But what you might not know is that you don't need to travel far to shuck and slurp some of the best oysters in the world.Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shamish Bay is just an hour and a half outside of Seattle

Hawaii Day 5: Learning the Hula

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!Refined's experience at Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa wouldn't be complete without learning the hula. We think Gaard might be

Hawaii Day 4: Gettin' our sweat on!

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!Time is running out for your chance to win a dream Hawaiian vacation to Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa.All week, we've been s

Let's go places: See the Avalanche Dogs at Stevens Pass

Located just 78 miles from Seattle, nestled in the rocky crest of the Cascade Mountains, lies Stevens Pass. It's a playground for expert skiers and a haven for people looking to get out of the city, but this natural landscape demands respect as well as app